Method of filling preformed fiber cartons



Nov. 5 1957 A. B. MOJIONNIER 2,811,817

METHOD OF FILLING PREFORMED FIBER CARTONS Filed Dec. 10, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 5, 1957 B. MOJONNIER 2,811,817

METHOD OF FILLING PREFORMED FIBER CARTONS Filed Dec. 10, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent METHOD OF FlLLING PREFORMED FIBER CARTONS Albert B. Mojonnier, Chicago, Ill.

Application December 10, 1956, Serial No. 627,193

7 Claims. (Cl. 53-37) This invention relates to the packaging of liquids and more particularly to an improved method for filling preformed fiber cartons.

The present invention relates particularly to a method of filling fiber containers of the type having a gable top including upwardly and inwardly inclined foldable top panels and bellows-like collapsible top panels arranged to be tucked inwardly between the foldable panels to form a closure for the top of the container.

Such containers require relatively complex machinery to form and erect the same, which machinery is too expensive for smaller users of the cartons. In order to enable small dairies and the like to package their products in paper cartons, it is common practice to preform the cartons by erecting the blanks and coating the same with a wax or similar coating to render the cartons moisture resistant. In preforming the cartons, the gable top is closed, while the water-proofing coating thereon is still relatively soft and pliable, by tucking the collapsible top panels inwardly and folding the foldable top panels over the collapsible panels to thereby exclude foreign matter from the container during the subsequent shipment and storage of the containers prior to filling of the same.

i In filling the preformed cartons of this type, it is the present practice to spread the foldable panels apart thereby expanding the bellows-like collapsible panels and opening the top of the container. A quantity of liquid is then dispensed into the container and the collapsible and foldable top panels thereafter refolded and the upper edges of these panels sealed together. This method of filling, which requires opening of the gabled top prior to filling the same and thereafter reclosing of the gabled top, has not been entirely satisfactory since the repeated flexing and folding of the gabled top of the carton causes cracking and flaking of the coating thereon and otherwise weakens the carton, particularly along the fold lines and corners. As a result, these cartons tend to leak after being filled with liquid. Some of the wax or other coating on the carton which cracks off during the opening and closing of the same, falls into the container and into the liquid therein. Since the carton top is opened wide, foreign material in the surrounding atmosphere and even insects can enter the carton during filling operation and contaminate the liquid therein. Moreover, any contamination on the apparatus for opening the gabled top will be transferred to the inside surfaces on the carton which are engaged by the-opener.

In addition to the aforementioned disadvantages, some difficulty is encountered in properly rescaling the gabled top of the carton after the latter has been opened and reclosed. The gable top, as preformed, is closed while the wax or other coating thereon is relatively soft. As a result, portions of the top become partially sealed to each other, which seal is entirely broken, often with the loss of someof the waterproof coating, when the cartons are opened wide and then reclosed. Because of the numerous layers of the fiber carton at the top seal joint, it is difiicult to rapidly reheat and seal the topof the carton after it 2,811,817 Patented Nov. 5, 1957 ice is reclosed and frequently this seal is faulty which also increases the likelihood of leakage from the carton.

It is further to be noted that the filling of these cartons in this manner requires apparatus for opening the closed cartons and further apparatus for reclosing the same after being opened, which apparatus necessarily increases the complexity and cost of the filling equipment.

An important object of this invention is to provide an improved method for filling preformed gable top cartons which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

Another object of this invention is to effect filling of preformed gable top cartons in a more economical and facile manner.

A more particular object of this invention is to etfect filling of the preformed gable top cartons without necessitating spreading of the gable top and opening of the same thereby eliminating the cracking and flaking of the water resistant coating on the carton and also eliminating the necessity of reclosing the carton and the apparatus for effecting this operation.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a method of filling gable top cartons, in accordance with the foregoing objects and which is also effective to reduce foaming of certain liquids such as milk during the filling operation.

These, together with various ancillary objects and advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a gable top carton with the top opened to illustrate details of construction;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a preformed carton having the gable top thereof folded to a closed position;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken on the plane 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional View taken on the plane 55 of Figure 1 and illustrating the, step of raising the outer closure flap on the gabled top of the carton;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on the plane 6-6 of Figure 1 and illustrating the nozzle and carton prior to the insertion of the nozzle into the carton;

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view through the filler nozzle and carton and illustrating the nozzle in a position extending into the carton;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a carton having a nozzle extending thereinto, and

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view taken on the plane 99 of Figure 1 and illustrating the step of sealing the gabled top of the carton.

The method of the present invention relates to the filling of preformed cartons of the type having a gable top such as is generally shown in the patent to Reiter No. 2,079,875. The gable top cartons, as best shown in Figure 2, includes four side walls 10 joined together at the corners and having the gable top formed integrally with the upper end thereof. The carton is generally formed from a single blank and has a glued seam lila extending upwardly along the side walls and gabled top. The gable top on the carton generally includes opposed foldable panels 11 and 12 articulated with the upper ends of one pair of opposite side Walls and opposed collapsible panels 13 articulated with the upper ends of the other side Walls of the carton. The collapsible panels 13 are articulated with the ends of the foldable panels 11 and have diagonally extending score lines formed thereon which divide the collapsible panels .into a central portion 13a and side portions 13b. Extensions 14 and 15 are formed on the upper ends of the foldable panels 11 and 12 and are articulated with the ends of the extensions 16 formed on the upper ends of the collapsible panels 13; Closure flaps 17 and 18 extend from theupper ends of the extensions 14 and 15, respectively.

In the preforrning operation of these cartons, the carton blanks are erected, dipped in a wax or other waterproofing coating, and the gable tops thereafter folded to close the upper end of the carton and prevent the entrance of foreign matter during the subsequent shipment and storage of the preformed cartons. In closing the top of the carton, the foldable panels 11 and 12 are folded inwardly as shown in Figure 3 'andthe collapsible panels 13a tucked inwardly between the foldable panels so that the central portion 13a of the collapsible panels extends upwardly and inwardlyzand the side portions 13b underlie the'foldable portions 11 and 12. The upper edges of the extensions 14 and 15 on the foldable panels are brought into contiguous relation and one of the closure flaps such as 14 is inserted downwardly between the extensions 16 on the collapsible panelsandthe extension 15 on the other of the foldable panels 12. The other of the closure flaps 18 loosely overlies the upper edge of the extension 14, as is clearly shown in Figure 3. The closure flap 17 which underlies the extension 15 retains the upper ends of the foldable panels 11 and 12 in substantially abutting relation.

In accordance with the present invention, these cartons, as preformed with the gable top folded inwardly to close the upper ends thereof, are filled without reopening of the gable tops. In this manner, the cracking and flaking of the water-proofing coating on the carton, which results from the flexing and folding incident to opening and closing of the carton, is eliminated. Since the preformed carton is not reopened wide during filling, the possibility of foreign matter passing from the air into the carton, is also reduced to thereby effect more sanitary filling of the carton. In addition, the weakening of the carton along the fold lines and particularly along the glued seam of the carton, which occurs when the gable top is opened and then reclosed, is also prevented.

In general, filling of the carton is effected by sequentially lifting the outer closure flap on one of the foldable panels, inserting a nozzle having a preferably transversely oblong cross-section into the carton between the inner and outer closure flaps, dispensing a liquid through the nozzle and into the carton, removing the nozzle and thereafter folding the outer closure flap downwardly and sealing the carton.

One suitable apparatus for carrying out the present method is illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 1 and includes a device 25 for lifting the outer closure flap on the carton, a nozzle 26 and mechanism for moving the carton and nozzle relative to each other to effect insertion of the nozzle into the carton between the inner and outer closure flaps thereon. In the specific form illustrated, the nozzle is mounted formovement into and out of the carton, it being understood that the nozzle could be mounted stationary and the carton moved relative thereto, if desired.

In the practice of the present method it is preferable to have the nozzle enter the carton along a path substantially aligned with the interface between the inner closure flap and the overlying foldable panel to minimize distortion of the gable during filling. For this purpose, the nozzle 26 is mounted for movement in a plane inclined to the vertical and, as shown in Figure 1, is attached toan arm 27 which is pivotally mountedby a pin 28 on an inclined guide plate 29. The guide plate is supported by a bracket 31 on a suitable base 32 and an operator 33, herein shown of the fluid type, is operatively connected to the arm 27 to move the nozzle into and out of the carton. The cartons 'may be advanced to apositionadjacently through anozzle 26, in any desiredmanner, and in the embodiment shown iii-Figure 1,'t'here is provided a transfer mechanism including a carton support tray 35 and a pusher plate 36 arranged to engage a carton and advance same along the tray 35. A fluid type operator 37 is provided for selectively reciprocating the pusher plate 36.

The guide plate 29 is advantageously arranged to support and raise the outer closure flap 18 on the cartons, as the cartons are advanced to a position adjacent the nozzle 26. As shown in Figure 4, the cartons are positioned on the tray 10 with the outer closure flap 18 overlying the guide plate 29. The device 25 for lifting the outer closure flap is formed adjacent the lower edge of the guide plate and extends therealong to a position adjacent the nozzle. As the cartons are moved along the tray 35, the outer closure flap 18 is cammed upwardly by the lifting device 25, as shown in Figure 5, so that the outer closure flap 18 overlies the lower end of the nozzle, when the carton is advanced to a position therebelow, as is clearly shown in Figure 6.

As previously described, the nozzle 26 and carton 10 are moved relative to each other to effect insertion of the nozzle into the carton between the inner closure flap 17 and the overlying foldable panel 12, and in the apparatus shown the nozzle is mounted on the guide plate 29 for movement in a plane approximately parallel with the plane of the foldable panel 12, from the position shown in Figure 6 to the position shown in Figure 7. The lower end 26a of the nozzle is beveled as clearly shown in Figures 6 and 7 to provide a relatively sharp edge which effects spreading of the foldable panel 12 away from the inner closure flap 17, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The nozzle 26 is formed with a transversely oblong cross-section, in the portion thereof which enters the carton, to minimize the distortion of the carton, when the nozzle is inserted thereinto, while providing a relatively large flow passage to permit rapid filling of the carton. As shown in Figure 8, the width of the nozzle is appreciably less than the width of the cartons.

When the nozzle 26 is inserted into the carton, as shown in Figure 7, it overlies and engages the inner closure flap 17 and presses the latter against the extensions 16 on the upper ends of the collapsible panels. In this manner, the inner closure flap is prevented from being withdrawn from the carton so that the foldable panels 11 and 12 cannot spread apart adjacent opposite ends thereof and permit the carton to open. Instead, the foldable panel 12 which overlies the nozzle tends to bow outwardly intermediate the ends thereof, in a manner shown in Figures 7 and 8 to accommodate the nozzle without causing spreading of the foldable panels relative to each other, adjacent the opposite ends thereof. It is therefore apparent that the folds between the foldable panels and the side walls of the carton; the folds between the foldable' panels and the collapsible panels, and the folds between and portions 13a and 13b of the collapsible panels remain substantially undisturbed during insertion ofthe nozzle into the carton. The water-proofing coating along these fold lines therefore does not become cracked or flaked off during filling of the carton. Moreover, the fold lines on the gable top are not flexed and the glued seam 10a is not stressed during the filling operation so that the carton does not become weakened at these points and cause leakage therefrom.

Filling of the carton is effected through the nozzle and, as shown in Figures 1, 6 and 7, the nozzle is connected through a preferably flexible conduit 41 to a source of liquid supply, herein shown in the form of a tank 42. The control 'of the flow of liquid through the conduit 41 to the nozzle may be effected in any desired manner and conveniently,- a valve 45 may be provided in the conduit 41 to regulate the amount of liquid dispensed through the nozzle. This valve is preferably located closely adjacent the nozzle 26 to minimize the quantity of liquid remaining-in the conduit, when the valve is closed. In the specific form shown, the valve 45'is of the solenoid type which is opened 'and closed in response to energization of the solenoid. Conveniently, the energization of the solenoid will be controlled by a timer, in a manner more fully disclosed in the patent to A. B. Mojonnier, Re. 23,830, to dispense a preselected measured quantity of liquid into the carton.

When the nozzle 26 is inserted intothe carton, in the manner described, it is apparent that then'ozzle closely underlies the foldable panel 12. Consequently, the liquid discharged through the nozzle into the carton will tend to flow along the underside of the foldable panel 12 and along the inner wall of the sides of the carton. In practice, it has been found that this arrangement materially reduces the amount of air entrained in the liquid as the carton is filled and thus reduces foaming of liquids such as milk and cream which tend to foam appreciably during normal filling operations.

After the carton is filled with the desired amount of liquid, the nozzle 26 is removed and the upper end of the gable top then sealed. As shown in Figures 1 and 9 there is provided a pair of relatively movable sealing jaws 47 and 48 conveniently operated by an actuator 49. The sealing jaws are moved toward each other and fold the outer closure flap 18 downwardly over the extension 14 on the foldable panel 11 and press the closure flaps and extensions into sealed relation with each other to prevent leakage from the top of the carton.

From the foregoing it is apparent that the method of the present invention is arranged to effect filling of gable top cartons without requiring opening and reclosing of the cartons and thus minimizes the tendency of the cartons to leak due to cracking and flaking of the protective coating on the carton and weakening of the carton along the fold lines and glue seam, which occurs when the latter is opened and closed. The carton is only open while the nozzle is extended thereinto and then the actual area of the opening is very small. In addition the outer closure flap 18 overlies the relatively small access opening during the filling operation, so that foreign matter in the air or which falls from surrounding objects cannot readily enter the carton and cause contamination. Moreover, the apparatus previously required for opening and closing of the cartons is eliminated, thereby materially simplifying the apparatus required for filling the cartons. Additionally, since the liquid is dispensed into the carton in a manner such that the liquid flows downwardly along the foldable top panel and downwardly along the sides of the carton, foaming of the liquids such as milk, is materially reduced.

I claim:

1. The method of filling gable top cartons having opposed foldable top panels and opposed collapsible top panels joined to opposed ends of the foldable panels and preformed with the foldable panels extending upwardly and inwardly into substantially contiguous relation and with the collapsible panels tucked inwardly between the foldable panels to substantially completely close the top of the carton comprising, inserting a filler nozzle between the contiguous edges of the foldable panels without spreading the contiguous edges of the foldable panels apart adjacent opposite ends thereof, dispensing a liquid through the nozzle into the carton, removing the nozzle, and sealing the contiguous edges of the foldable panels.

2. The method of filling gabled top fiber containers having opposed foldable top panels and opposed collapsible top panels joined to opposed ends of the foldable panels and preformed with the foldable panels extending upwardly and inwardly into substantially contiguous re lation and with the collapsible panels tucked inwardly between the foldable panels to substantially completely close the top of the carton comprising, effecting relative movement between a filler nozzle and the preformed carton along a path substantially parallel to one of said foldable panels and thereby eifecting insertion of the nozzle between the contiguous edges of the foldable panels without spreading the foldable panels apart adjacent opposite ends thereof, dispensing a liquid through the nozzle into the carton, removing the nozzle, and sealing the contiguous edges of the foldable panels.

3. The method of filling preformed gable top cartons including opposed foldable top panels each having a closure flap on the free edge thereof and opposed collapsible top panels joined to the ends of the foldable panels, said carton being preformed with the foldable panels extending upwardly and inwardly and with the collapsible panels tucked inwardly between the foldable panels, the closure flap on one of the foldable panels being inserted between the other foldable panel and the adjacent portion of the collapsible panels to retain the upper edges of the foldable panels in substantially contiguous relation, the other closure flap overlying the upper edge on said one of said foldable panels, said method comprising the steps of inserting a nozzle between said other foldable panel and the closure flap on said one foldable of said panels without spreading the contiguous edges of the foldable panels apart adjacent opposite ends thereof, dispensing a liquid through the nozzle into the carton, removing the nozzle, and folding said other closure flap downwardly onto said one of said foldable panels.

4. The method of filling preformed gable top cartons each having opposed foldable top panels and opposed collapsible top panels articulated with the ends of the foldable panels, said cartons being preformed to have the foldable panels extend upwardly and inwardly with the collapsible panels tucked inwardly between the foldable panels, one of said foldable panels having an inner closure flap on the upper edge thereof inserted between the other foldable panel and the contiguous portions of the collapsible panels to retain the gable top in a closed condition, said method comprising moving the nozzle and carton relative to each other along a path substantially aligned with the interface between the inner closure flap and said other foldable panel into interfitting relation with the nozzle extending into the carton below said other foldable panel and overlying said inner closure flap to prevent spreading of said foldable panels adjacent opposite ends thereof, dispensing a liquid through the nozzle into the carton, and thereafter removing the nozzle.

5. The method of filling gable top cartons which are preformed to have the opposed foldable top panels extend upwardly and inwardly into substantially contiguous relationand the opposed collapsible panels tucked inwardly between the foldable panels to close the top of the carton, one of the foldable panels having a closure flap thereon underlying the other foldable panel and overlying the contiguous portions of the collapsible panels, said other of said foldable panels having an outer closure flap thereon overlying said one foldable panel, said method comprising raising said outer closure flap, moving a nozzle into the carton along a path which underlies said outer closure flap and extends between the interface of said inner closure flap and said other foldable panel, dispensing a liquid through the nozzle into the carton, removing the nozzle, and folding the outer closure flap downwardly to reseal the carton.

6. The method of filling gable top cartons which are preformed to have the opposed foldable top panels extend upwardly and inwardly into substantially contiguous relation and the opposed collapsible panels tucked inwardly between the foldable panels to close the top of the carton, one of the foldable panels having a closure flap thereon underlying the other foldable panel and overlying the contiguous portions of the collapsible panels, said other of said foldable panels having an outer closure flap thereon overlying said one foldable panel, said method comprising raising said outer closure flap, moving a nozzle having a transversely oblong cross-section along a path which underlies said outer closure flap and extends between the interface of said inner closure flap and said other foldable panel and with the major transverse axis of the nozzle paralleling said other foldable panel, dispensing a liquid panels to substantially completely close the top' of ;the 10 '8 carton, said method comprising moving a nozzle into the carton to a position in which the open end of; the nozzle closely underlies one ofthe foldable panels, dispensing-a liquid through the nozzle'to' flow therefrom along the underside of said one foldable panel and then downwardly along the sides of the carton to minimize foaming of the 1iquid,-removing the-nozzle, and sealing the upper end of the gable top of the carton;

No references cited. 

